Accused balcony killer Gable Tostee changes his name

Murder accused Gable Tostee has changed his name by deed poll to Eric Thomas.

Police sources told News Corp the 28-year-old Gold Coast man changed his name last month, in the middle of court proceedings over the balcony death of 26-year-old New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright.

Tostee, a carpet layer, also recently changed his Facebook profile so that his occupation was listed as "witch" at "witch-hunt" — an apparent reference to media coverage of his case.

Tostee has been the focus of a steady stream of unflattering headlines, including news yesterday that he was back behind bars over a high-speed police chase last July, unrelated to the alleged balcony murder last August.

Tostee has had to ­inform police and the courts of the name change.

"He has a pretty distinctive name and it may be simply so he can order a pizza without being recognised, or get a job," one lawyer was quoted as saying.

His murder charge is due to be mentioned in the Southport Magistrates Court on March 13.